The Barrons Sidelines

Woodbridge OL Opening Holes, Eyes and Hearts

By: Charles McDevitt - October 23, 2006

Not since 2003, has the Woodbridge HS Football - Offensive Line dominated the line of scrimmage, until this year!

In 2003, the workhorse running back was senior Keith Zalasar. He ran for 1494 yards on 215 carries (6.9 avg), with 11 TDs and 1 2PT Conversion.

The 2003 Offensive Line (Brad Kotuski – C, Elliott Bernard and Josh Bernard – RG, John Janowski – LG, Ken Siano – RT, C.J. McDevitt – LT, Matt Bouchard - TE) opened holes producing 2055 rushing yards (186.8 per game). They also allowed a meager 27 TFL’s (2.5 per game) and only 8 Sacks (0.7 per game) for the season (8-3-0). Pretty good stuff!

The 2006 Offensive Line (Chuck Pierson – C, Derek Shea – RG, Sal Deluca – LG, Chris Bouchard – LT, Rafael Santiago – RT, Jose Gonzalez and Vinny Rodriguez - TE) has produced some nice holes, and is performing some pretty good stuff themselves!

Their workhorse running back Garrett Mozolic ran for 1126 yards (7.9 avg) on 143 carries, with 9 TD’s in the first 6 games before his season ending injury! Overall, this OL has produced 1622 rushing yards (231.7 per game) in the 7 contests to date! They have also allowed only 24 TFL’s (3.4 per game), and 6 Sacks (0.9 per game). They are on course to record an impressive season despite the win / loss record.

But before we write the history books, there is a huge amount of work for this group of athletes. There is a very important game on October 27^th against the South Brunswick Vikings. A loss, and playoff aspirations are gone. A win, and a playoff berth is still a possibility. I expect these guys to step up and produce that win! I expect them to lead this entire team for the remainder of the season regardless of the opponent.

In 2003, I watched as the OL walked off their home turf after being dealt a loss by the Piscataway Chiefs in round 2 of the NJSIAA Playoffs. I saw the tears and pain in their eyes.

I’ve seen the same tears and pain in the eyes of the OL this year.

Both of these groups of kids have something that can’t be taught or learned, and that is HEART! That is what will guide them to lead the others to finish out the 2006 season will all the intensity and commitment they can possibly muster. I for one am looking forward to an exciting conclusion to an already exciting season!